Stages of Labor
What are the three stages of labor and what happens in each?
Stage 1: Cervical dilation. Stage 2: Delivery of baby. Stage 3: Delivery of placenta.
What is a normal finding for lochia rubra in the first 3 days postpartum?
Dark red bleeding with small clots.
What is the purpose of Leopold’s maneuvers?
To determine fetal position and presentation.
What are signs of preeclampsia?
Hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.
What is the normal newborn respiratory rate?
30–60 breaths per minute.
What phase of labor is a woman in when dilation is 6-10 cm?
Active to transitional phase.
How do you assess for uterine involution?
Palpate fundus; it should be firm and descending daily.
What does a reactive non-stress test (NST) indicate?
Fetal well-being with accelerations of 15 bpm for 15 seconds.
What medication is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia?
Magnesium sulfate.
What are signs of newborn hypoglycemia?
Jitteriness, poor feeding, lethargy, apnea.
What physical changes signal the beginning of true labor?
Regular contractions, cervical dilation and effacement.
What should you do if you find a boggy fundus?
Massage the fundus and encourage voiding.
What is the normal fetal heart rate range?
110-160 beats per minute.
What are signs of placental abruption?
Painful bleeding, board-like abdomen, fetal distress.
What is the purpose of Vitamin K administration at birth?
Prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Name one nursing priority during the second stage of labor.
Promote effective pushing and monitor fetal descent.
What teaching should be provided after administration of the MMR vaccine?
Avoid pregnancy for 1 month; watch for rash or fever.
What is the significance of late decelerations?
Uteroplacental insufficiency – may indicate fetal distress.
What is the treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum?
IV fluids, antiemetics, electrolyte correction.
When should the first newborn bath be delayed?
Until temperature is stable and 24 hours after birth.
What are signs that the placenta is separating from the uterine wall?
Gush of blood, lengthening of umbilical cord, uterus becomes globular.
How is postpartum hemorrhage defined?
Blood loss >500 mL after vaginal birth or >1000 mL after cesarean.
What is the meaning of the BPP (biophysical profile) score?
Measures fetal well-being based on 5 parameters; max score is 10.
What condition is diagnosed with a positive fetal fibronectin test?
Risk of preterm labor.
What are priority nursing actions after birth?
Dry and stimulate baby, maintain airway, APGAR scoring.